Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Cunning" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "cunning", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
あざとい
あざとい (azatoi)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
狡猾
こうかつ (kōkatsu)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "cunning" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between あざとい and 狡猾.
In Japanese, あざとい (あざとい (azatoi)) is typically associated with "cunning, calculating (in a cute/charming way), artful, designing" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used for someone who acts cute or innocent to get what they want, often with a slightly negative or critical connotation, implying manipulation..
On the other hand, 狡猾 (こうかつ (kōkatsu)) maps to "cunning, sly, crafty, artful" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Describes someone who is clever in a deceptive or tricky way, often for self-gain. It carries a negative connotation.. A literal translation of "cunning" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "あざとい"
彼女の可愛らしい笑顔は、計算されたあざといものだった。
Her cute smile was a calculated, cunning one.
Bilingual Context for "狡猾"
彼は狡猾な手口で他人を騙し、利益を得ていた。
He used cunning tricks to deceive others and gain profit.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼女の可愛らしい笑顔は、計算された ＿＿＿ ものだった。" (Meaning: "Her cute smile was a calculated, cunning one.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "あざとい" fits here because it means "cunning, calculating (in a cute/charming way), artful, designing" in the context of: "Her cute smile was a calculated, cunning one.". "狡猾" represents "cunning, sly, crafty, artful".